Kafui Dzirasa

Dr. Kafui Dzirasa is a professor of psychiatry, behavioral sciences, and neurobiology at Duke University, where he leads research at the intersection of neuroscience, engineering, and mental health. He is the first African American to complete a PhD in Neurobiology at Duke. Dr. Dzirasa has contributed to the understanding of neural circuitry underlying psychiatric disorders by developing techniques that integrate engineering principles with neurobiological research, advancing the ability to decode and potentially treat complex mental illnesses. His laboratory, the Dzirasa Lab at Duke, employs a multidisciplinary approach, using advanced neuroengineering tools to explore the brain’s electrical activity and its relationship to behavior and disease.

Dr. Dzirasa has received awards from national scientific organizations and has been recognized as a TEDMED speaker, sharing insights on mental health research and the importance of diversity in science. He is a public speaker who communicates scientific concepts to broad audiences and has been featured in scientific forums and media outlets. Dzirasa is also committed to mentorship and advocacy for underrepresented groups in STEM, contributing to diversity and inclusion in the scientific community.

Throughout his career, Dr. Dzirasa has addressed the challenges of bridging engineering and neuroscience, often discussing the obstacles he has encountered as an advocate for diversity in academia. His research and public engagement continue to influence the discourse on mental health, neurotechnology, and the societal implications of scientific innovation, establishing him as a leading voice in neuroscience.